When we think of mentoring, most people think of a more experienced person offering guidance and sharing knowledge with someone just starting out in their career. Mentoring can include professional development and career guidance, but it can also be broader, including personal growth and development.
For as long as I can remember, I have had mentors. I may not have used the word “mentor,” but looking back, I can clearly see that I have had mentors. They were people I really respected and they were special, reminiscent of the old TV commercial, “When EF Hutton speaks, people listen.” One of them was Michael. I was an accounting major in college, and Michael casually encouraged me to take a programming class. Although the IT class wasn’t in my syllabus, I took it and knew it was what I had to do shortly after I changed my major from accounting to IT.
After graduation, I got my first IT job and Kathy was my boss and mentored me. Others mentored me throughout my career as well. Being a minority woman in the IT field in Alaska, there weren’t many people like me. I was fortunate to always have mentors like James who guided me as I transitioned into different leadership roles including different industries.
I was hired and moved from Alaska to Charlotte for a job, but then the pandemic hit and I had to start all over again. I had very few acquaintances and companies in Charlotte, so I started rebuilding my network, one by one. I met some truly inspirational people, like Elizabeth. Different people offered insight, shared their experiences, and helped me settle into Charlotte. I’m so grateful for the people who invested in me.
Good and great mentors
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For me, what makes a mentor a great mentor rather than just a good one? Not only do they share practical advice, relevant knowledge, and lessons learned, but they are approachable and I feel comfortable sharing my aspirations, challenges, and concerns. These mentors are my Personal Board of Directors (PBOD) and trusted peers. I trust them to actively listen, empathize, and provide constructive feedback. I trust that feedback is a gift and they will tell me the truth (the good, the bad, and the ugly). This is important because being open about where I need to improve can give me more perspective than sharing my strengths and successes. Will I ever not need a mentor? No! My journey continues to twist and turn with new goals. For example, in the future, I plan to serve on the board of directors of a company and I intend to seek the insight and guidance of my mentors.
Giving back
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Before I knew it, I had become a mentor myself. Now I have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others by giving back and passing the favor. I am in a progressive role and share my knowledge, skills and experience to help others grow, develop and reach their potential. Mentoring provides an opportunity to make a lasting impact. It is a two-way relationship that is mutually beneficial as both parties learn new perspectives, grow and benefit from the relationship. Every investment I make in the next generation creates a ripple effect of positive change.
What’s the best moment of mentorship? For me it’s when I see someone I’ve mentored mentor someone else. It’s a full-circle moment that shows how a ripple effect caused by one action can spread.
If you take the time to mentor, think about the positive impact you could have on someone’s life. To learn more about the journey of a mentor from seeking guidance to giving back, Follow us on LinkedIn!
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